Cameroon Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

A tourist visa to Cameroon is issued to those individuals who have plans to visit the country for tourism and other leisure activities. These activities include attending concerts and exhibitions, ecotourism, and others. With the permit, the holder is also allowed to visit their family members and friends living in Cameroon. The validity of the permit will differ as per the number of entries granted. For a single entry type, the validity is about 3 months, on the other hand, for a multiple entry visa, the validity is about 6 months. It must also be noted that a visa does not guarantee entry through the border as it is essential to meet the border control requirements.

The process of application for a Cameroon tourist visa for Indian passport holders is mainly online. However, before that, you need to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the application of the same. The application is made to the online Cameroon e-visa portal. The process is as follows:

1. You can start by visiting the Cameroon visa online portal.
2. Read the instructions for the application.
3. Choose the type of permit.
4. Fill out the online application form.
5. Submit the copies of the required documents.
6. Pay the required visa fee.
7. Get the application verified.

At the time of filling out the application form, it is essential that the information filled out is correct and verifiable. The information in the application form must match the details in the travel documents. If there are any issues found with the application form or if there is any kind of false or bogus information, there are chances that the application will become inadmissible and even get rejected. There may be other reasons for visa rejection as well. The chances of rejection can be minimised by hiring a professional visa agency or acquiring assistance.

To be able to apply for a tourist visa for Cameroon, there are certain parameters and criteria that must be met. These criteria will help you understand the requirements of the visa as well and the process involved. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Cameroon.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Cameroon.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements
• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Cameroon.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Cameroon.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

The documents required for the issuance of a tourist visa to Cameroon can vary from case to case. Some of the common Cameroon tourist visa requirements are listed as follows:

• A passport with a validity of at least six months ahead of the date of travel.
• Recent photographs as per the specifications.
• Confirmed to and fro flight tickets.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or concert pass, etc.
• Proof of accommodation - hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.
• International certificate of Yellow fever vaccination or any other diseases requested by health authority.

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
• Must be in JPEG, PNG or GIF format.
• File size shouldn’t exceed 300 kilobytes.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white or any other light colour.
• Neutral expressions.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be shown.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required to issue a tourist visa to Cameroon is dependent on certain factors. Generally, it requires a week for processing. However, at times, it can be processed sooner and at times it may take even longer. The factors that affect the processing time include the holidays other than a weekend, availability of personnel for visa verification, lagging of the server and a few others.

Ideally, as per the instructions, the fee is to be paid to the Embassy of Cameroon. Since there is no diplomatic mission set up by the Cameroon government in India yet, the fee for a Cameroon tourist visa for Indian is to be paid online or by cash or DD or any other suitable method.

When the documents have been submitted, there are a few things that need to be noted. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• After the submission of the documents and the payment of the fees, the processing of the permit will begin.
• If there are any kind of amends to be made in the application, it must be informed.
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application as well. 
• The visa fee is not refundable.

The process of checking the status for a Cameroon tourist visa for Indian is online. To check the status, you need to visit the online e-visa portal of Cameroon. You can then enter your application number and if required, other details and know the status. Else, if you have applied through an agency, you can contact the agency for the same.

Processing of the documents and the application form will take time. After the processing is done, the online visa will be emailed to you on the registered email ID. When you have finally received the permit, there are few things that need to be noted:

• Before you travel

• • • • Print your e-visa for Cameroon.
      • Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
      • You should travel to Cameroon within the validity of your visa.
      • Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
      • Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• • • • Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
      • Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
      • Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
      • Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Cameroon
• • • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
      • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
      • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.